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Hair loss, or alopecia, is a condition that can affect anyone and can be triggered by various factors, including genetics, hormonal changes, inflammation, certain diseases, and medications. While muscle relaxers were not found among the listed medications that can cause hair loss, it is important to note that certain drugs can interfere with the normal cycle of scalp hair growth, leading to either telogen effluvium or anagen effluvium. Telogen effluvium is a short-term hair loss that occurs during the resting phase of the hair follicle, while anagen effluvium is a long-term hair loss that occurs during the active growth phase of the hair cycle. It is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional if you notice any changes in your hair or scalp after starting or modifying medication.
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What You'll Learn
- Hair relaxers contain strong chemicals that can lead to hair loss
- Hair loss from relaxers can be caused by user error, such as leaving them on for too long
- Chemotherapy drugs are a common cause of hair loss
- Prescription medications can cause hair loss, including testosterone replacement therapy
- Antidepressants and anti-seizure medications have been linked to hair loss
Hair relaxers contain strong chemicals that can lead to hair loss
Several medications can cause hair loss, including chemotherapy drugs, antidepressants, and retinoids. This type of hair loss is typically reversible once the medication is stopped, and there are treatments available to promote hair growth.
Hair relaxers, which have been popular since the early 20th century, can also lead to hair loss. This is because hair relaxers contain strong chemicals, such as sodium hydroxide (lye), ammonium thioglycolate, and sodium thioglycolate, which generate heat and break down the hair's natural bonds to change its texture. The use of these chemicals can lead to negative side effects, such as scalp discomfort, tingling, burning, and sores, which may result in infection or permanent hair loss.
It is important to note that improper use of hair relaxers can exacerbate their side effects. For example, leaving the relaxer on for longer than the prescribed period or applying it to sensitive or damaged scalps can increase the risk of negative side effects and hair loss. Additionally, combining hair relaxers with other treatments, such as dyeing, can also lead to hair loss due to the interaction between the lye in relaxers and the peroxide in hair color.
To minimize the risk of hair loss when using hair relaxers, it is recommended to consult a professional stylist specializing in curly hair and prioritize scalp health. Avoiding tight hairstyles and excessive hairstyling can also help prevent a type of hair loss called traction alopecia. Proper hair care, including regular washing, conditioning, and hydration, is crucial for maintaining healthy hair and preventing breakage.
While hair relaxers can lead to hair loss, it is important to consider other factors as well. The things done to the hair before applying the relaxer, such as scratching or double processing, can also contribute to hair damage and loss. Therefore, it is essential to understand your hair type and follow the instructions for using hair relaxers to minimize the risk of negative side effects.
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Hair loss from relaxers can be caused by user error, such as leaving them on for too long
Hair relaxers are products that help people manage their curly hair. They work by breaking down the hair cuticles' hydrogen and disulfide bonds, which are among the world's strongest naturally occurring bonds. Strong chemicals like sodium hydroxide (lye), ammonium thioglycolate, and sodium thioglycolate are used to generate heat and straighten hair. While relaxers can improve hair condition, they can also lead to hair loss.
Additionally, users should be cautious when applying relaxers to sensitive scalps. It is recommended to avoid using relaxers that are unhealthy or damaging to the scalp. Before applying a relaxer, it is important to consider any pre-existing scalp discomfort or long-term scalp tingling, as this may indicate negative side effects. The chemicals in relaxers may not be compatible with all skin types, and users should be careful to protect their skin from contact with these chemicals.
Another factor that can contribute to hair loss is the combination of dyeing and relaxing hair simultaneously. The lye in relaxers and the peroxide in hair colour can severely damage the hair and scalp. Therefore, it is advised to avoid relaxing fragile, damaged, or bleached hair. It is recommended to wait a few months between relaxing hair treatments to allow the roots to grow.
While relaxers can cause hair loss, it is important to note that they are not usually the primary cause. In most cases, hair loss is a result of user error or improper use of the product. By following the instructions and being mindful of scalp health, users can minimise the risk of hair loss when using relaxers.
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Chemotherapy drugs are a common cause of hair loss
While medications are designed to treat health conditions, they can sometimes have unintended side effects, including hair loss. Chemotherapy drugs are a common cause of hair loss. Chemotherapy targets rapidly growing cells, which damages hair follicles and causes hair to fall out. This type of hair loss is called anagen effluvium, which occurs during the active growth phase of the hair cycle. Chemotherapy drugs can cause hair loss within a few days to weeks of starting treatment, and it may progress more rapidly after one to two months. The American Cancer Society notes that hair typically starts to fall out within two weeks of starting chemotherapy.
The severity of drug-induced hair loss depends on the type of drug, dosage, and individual sensitivity. Chemotherapy drugs can lead to complete hair loss on the head, as well as eyebrows, eyelashes, and other body hair. Hair loss is more common and severe in patients taking combinations of chemotherapy drugs compared to those taking a single drug. However, it's important to note that not all chemotherapy drugs cause hair loss, and some may only result in slight hair thinning.
Hair loss due to chemotherapy is usually temporary, and hair will often grow back once treatment is completed. However, in rare cases, hair loss may be permanent, especially with very high doses of certain drugs. The time it takes for hair to regrow varies, and it may take several months for hair to start growing back after chemotherapy. The regrown hair may be softer, have a different colour, and be more curly.
To cope with hair loss during cancer treatment, individuals can consider various options. One suggestion is to use baby shampoos and cleansing products designed for sensitive skin, as they tend to be milder and cause less irritation. Additionally, individuals can explore treatments that are less likely to cause hair loss by consulting their doctor. A cold cap, or scalp cooling, can be used to reduce the amount of hair loss by lowering the scalp's temperature and reducing blood flow, thereby decreasing the amount of drug reaching the hair follicles. However, scalp cooling is not effective for everyone and may not work for all types of cancer.
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Prescription medications can cause hair loss, including testosterone replacement therapy
While medications are designed to treat health conditions, they can sometimes have unwanted side effects, including hair loss. This is known as drug-induced hair loss, which can affect an individual's self-esteem. Drug-induced hair loss can be reversed in most cases by discontinuing the medication. However, if hair thinning persists, treatments such as dutasteride (Avodart), finasteride (Propecia), or minoxidid (Rogaine) may be prescribed to slow hair loss and promote new growth.
There are various prescription medications that have been linked to hair loss. These include:
- Chemotherapy drugs: These medications are used to treat cancer and are known to cause anagen effluvium, a type of hair loss that occurs during the active growth phase of the hair cycle.
- Antidepressants: While the exact mechanism is unclear, antidepressants have been associated with hair loss. Discontinuing the medication typically reverses this side effect.
- High blood pressure medications (anti-hypertensives): Beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and diuretics are examples of high blood pressure medications that may contribute to hair loss.
- Tamoxifen: This medication is used to block estrogen receptors and prevent breast cancer but can also lead to hair loss.
- Anticoagulants: Certain anticoagulants, such as antiepileptics, have been linked to hair loss.
- Retinoids: Derived from vitamin A, retinoids are used to treat skin conditions but may cause telogen effluvium, resulting in hair shedding.
Additionally, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in men has been associated with hair loss. Testosterone can convert to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which can shrink hair follicles and lead to thinning and hair loss, especially in individuals with a genetic predisposition to androgenetic alopecia. To prevent hair loss while undergoing TRT, it is crucial to work with a licensed professional who can monitor your progress and adjust testosterone dosage accordingly. Finasteride, a medication that reduces DHT levels, may be prescribed to mitigate hair loss during TRT.
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Antidepressants and anti-seizure medications have been linked to hair loss
Antidepressants are medications used to treat mental health conditions by balancing chemicals in the brain that affect mood and emotions. While they are effective for many people, they can also cause a range of side effects, including hair loss. The type of hair loss most commonly caused by antidepressants is called telogen effluvium, which occurs when hair prematurely enters the resting phase of the hair growth cycle, resulting in a decrease in the number of hair follicles growing hair. This form of hair loss is usually temporary, and hair growth typically resumes once the body adjusts to the medication. However, in some cases, it may be necessary to switch to a different medication to prevent hair loss.
Certain types of antidepressants are more likely to cause hair loss than others. For example, a 2018 study found that Lamotrigine (Lamictal), used to treat bipolar disorder or epilepsy, can cause significant hair loss in some individuals. Duloxetine (Cymbalta), a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) used for depression, anxiety, and certain types of pain, has also been associated with hair loss. Additionally, a comparative retrospective cohort study found that bupropion had the highest risk of hair loss compared to other antidepressants, while paroxetine had the lowest risk.
Anti-seizure medications (ASMs) are another class of drugs that have been linked to hair loss. A 2012 study found that weight gain and hair loss were the most common reasons why patients stopped taking ASMs. Valproic acid, carbamazepine, and lamotrigine are the most commonly reported ASM-induced alopecia in the medical literature. Other anti-seizure medications that have been associated with hair loss include levetiracetam, topiramate, and vigabatrin. The prevalence of ASM-induced alopecia varies depending on the specific medication, ranging from under 0.05% for preampanel to 9.6% for vigabatrin.
It is important to note that drug-induced hair loss is usually reversible once the medication is stopped or the dosage is adjusted. However, individuals experiencing hair loss due to antidepressants or anti-seizure medications should consult their healthcare provider before making any changes to their treatment.
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